🔀 Juniper EX4650 vs Arista 7280R3A
AI-powered analysis across 26 matched specifications
Performance Overview
Scores based on quantifiable specification values (1-10 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Juniper EX4650 Juniper | 7280R3A Series Arista |
|---|---|---|
| Key Metrics | ||
| Throughput | 4 Tbps | Up to 21.6 Tbps |
| Latency | 550 nanoseconds | Sub-microsecond |
| Form Factor | 1U | 2RU fixed or 4RU modular |
| Compute | ||
| Processor | 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel | -- |
| Memory | 16 GB DRAM | -- |
| Storage | 64 GB SSD | -- |
| Memory | ||
| MAC Table Size | -- | 128K–384K entries |
| ARP/NDP Entries | -- | Up to 384K entries |
| Packet Buffer | -- | Up to 24GB |
| Storage | ||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB SSD | -- |
| Networking | ||
| Downlink Ports | 48 × 25GbE SFP28 (1/10/25GbE auto-negotiate) | -- |
| Uplink Ports | 8 × 40/100GbE QSFP28 | -- |
| Port Configurations | Breakout: Each QSFP28 supports 4 × 25GbE → up to 80 total 25GbE ports | Up to 54× 400G (7280DR3A) / 72× 100G (7280CR3A) / 48× 50G (7280SR3A) |
| Routing Protocols | IPv4/IPv6, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS, RSVP-TE, LDP, L3VPN, EVPN | BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS LDP/RSVP, VXLAN, EVPN, BFD, PIM, Segment Routing |
| VXLAN Support | VXLAN encapsulation/decapsulation with BGP EVPN control plane | VXLAN, EVPN |
| ECMP Support | -- | 128-way ECMP |
| IPv4 Routing Capacity | -- | Up to 5M+ prefixes (7280R3AK) / ~800K (standard) |
| IPv6 Routing Capacity | -- | Up to 500K prefixes |
| I/O & Ports | ||
| Port Types | 48 × 25GbE SFP28 + 8 × 40/100GbE QSFP28 | 400G QSFP-DD/OSFP, 100G, 50G ports |
| Management | ||
| Management Platform | Juniper Mist AI cloud, Junos CLI, SNMP, REST API | Arista EOS, CloudVision, eAPI, OpenConfig, gNMI |
| Automation | NETCONF/YANG, gRPC telemetry, ZTP, Python, Ansible, Terraform | OpenConfig, gNMI, ZTP, NETCONF |
| Power | ||
| Power Supply | 4 models: AC/DC × AFI/AFO airflow; redundant dual PSU | AC and DC PSU options; all field-replaceable; hot-swap |
| Physical / Environmental | ||
| Form Factor | 1U, 19-inch rack | 2RU fixed (7280DR3A, 7280CR3A, 7280SR3A) or 4RU modular (7280R3A Modular) |
| Security | ||
| Encryption | IEEE 802.1AE MACsec AES-256 | MACsec (802.1AE), IPsec, VXLANsec — all hardware-accelerated, line rate |
| DCI Optics Support | -- | 400G ZR (100km) and 400G ZR+ (up to 2000km) coherent DWDM — native support |
| Software & OS Compatibility | ||
| Operating System | Junos | Arista EOS |
Expert Analysis
The Juniper EX4650 and Arista 7280R3A Series represent distinct approaches to data centre switching, each excelling in different deployment scenarios. The EX4650 offers a compelling 1U solution with 48×25GbE downlinks and 8×100GbE uplinks, delivering 4Tbps throughput with exceptionally low 550ns latency—making it ideal for leaf-tier deployments in enterprise data centres where space efficiency and predictable low latency are paramount. Its comprehensive routing protocol support including MPLS and EVPN-VXLAN, combined with Juniper Mist AI management, provides strong automation capabilities for fabric deployments.
In contrast, the Arista 7280R3A Series delivers substantially higher performance metrics, with up to 21.6Tbps throughput, 54×400G port density in 2RU, and massive 24GB packet buffers with Virtual Output Queues. This makes it suitable for high-density spine deployments, internet peering, or data centre interconnect scenarios where maximum throughput and deep buffering are required. The native support for 400G ZR/ZR+ coherent DWDM optics provides built-in DCI capability without external transponders, while hardware-accelerated MACsec, IPsec, and VXLANsec offer comprehensive encryption.
The key trade-off centres on density versus specialisation: the EX4650 provides excellent 25GbE server connectivity in minimal rack space with Juniper's integrated management ecosystem, while the 7280R3A offers future-proof 400G capabilities and massive scale for core networking roles. Organisations should consider the EX4650 for cost-effective leaf switching with strong automation, while the 7280R3A better serves environments requiring maximum port density, advanced DCI capabilities, or handling extremely large routing tables exceeding 5 million IPv4 prefixes.
Ready to proceed?
Not sure which one fits your environment?
Our UK specialists will recommend the right option for your workload and send itemised pricing — vendor-neutral, no obligation.
Response within 4 business hours · 20+ yr UK reseller
Want to compare different products or add more to this comparison?
Open Interactive Comparison Tool →Made your choice? Spread the cost.
Whichever you choose, you don't have to pay for it all upfront — finance your new hardware from £172/mo ex VAT on hire purchase or lease. Compare monthly payments and terms in seconds.
See finance from £172/mo →Indicative estimate · subject to change · no credit check at this stage · hire purchase, lease & subscription for UK businesses
Indicative illustration only. Servnet Limited is not authorised or regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice or arrange finance. All finance opportunities are referred to Number Eight Business Finance. Finance policy
Related comparisons
Other head-to-heads featuring these models — useful if you’re still shortlisting.
Talk to a UK specialist
Get expert advice or a no-obligation quote — servers, storage, networking, maintenance, finance and cloud. We reply the same working day.